Diagnosing patients with glaucoma could be made more accurate through the use of common imaging devices when assessing patients, a new study has claimed.

Repeating an earlier recommendation from the European Glaucoma Society, researchers also suggest that post-graduate training courses in optic disc assessment would improve patient care.

Supported by Pfizer, the European Optic Disc Assessment Trial (EODAT) reported that ophthalmologists made the correct diagnosis in 89.5% of all optic discs, whilst the GDx VCC and HRT devices accurately diagnosed 93.2% and 89.8% of eyes respectively.

Researchers assessed the diagnostic abilities of 243 ophthalmologists from 11 European countries and 110 optic disc photographs were evaluated.

Lead investigator Dr Nicolaas Reus commented: “The imaging devices in this trial had a high diagnostic accuracy and should therefore be used to support clinical assessment and improve early detection of this debilitating condition across Europe. Importantly, the progression of glaucoma can be slowed with early and accurate diagnosis if followed up with appropriate treatments to reduce intraocular pressure.”

Clive Migdal, president of the EGS, said: “Crucially, the results from this important study highlight the need for further training to further improve the rates of early diagnosis and alleviate patients’ potential suffering. As stated in the 2008 edition of the EGS Guidelines, a diagnosis should never be based solely on imaging devices, as these are unable to compete with a clinician’s many years of training and expertise.”

top | back

simon cartright
January 7th, 2010
Check out http://www.gone-project.com.